What began as a routine bucket-truck training exercise at Southwest Texas College's Uvalde campus on Thursday afternoon ended in tragedy, leaving one student dead and another injured, according to school officials. Both students were enrolled in the college’s Powerline Technology program. Emergency responders transported the injured student for medical care, while college staff moved quickly to support the families of those involved.
In a May 29 press release, Southwest Texas College said the incident occurred at approximately 2:21 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, and involved two Powerline Technology students and a bucket truck being used on campus. The college said it is reviewing the incident and cooperating with internal and external partners. Out of respect for the families, the school stated it will not release the students' identities and will share additional information only as appropriate and in line with privacy protections and legal guidance.
Regional outlets quickly picked up the college’s statement. Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth noted that the college’s notice was shared on Facebook, while the San Antonio Express-News published a statement from President Hector Gonzales saying emergency responders arrived promptly. The San Antonio Express-News also reported that officials have not released a cause of death and are withholding the students’ names. The college extended condolences and asked the community to keep those affected in their thoughts.
Powerline Training And Risks
Southwest Texas College’s program materials show that the Powerline Technology curriculum relies heavily on bucket trucks for hands-on instruction and equipment familiarization. In 2023 the college announced a donated bucket truck for student training, and Southwest Texas College described the vehicle and the tasks students practice with it. Federal safety guidance points to electrocution and falls as leading hazards for line crews, and OSHA outlines precautions for working in aerial lifts and near overhead lines.
Investigation And Next Steps
College officials say they are cooperating with law enforcement and carrying out an internal review while investigators examine what led to the deadly training incident. Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth reported that the school plans to share further information as appropriate while families are being notified. For now, authorities have not released additional details, and the college is asking the community to respect the privacy of those affected.
